The Rio Fuerte beaded lizard is a member of the family [[Helodermatidae]]. ItThe species was formerly considered a subspecies of the [[Mexican beaded lizard]], whom which is its closest living relative, but has beenwas elevated to full species status in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260706659_Taxonomic_reassessment_and_conservation_status_of_the_beaded_lizard_Heloderma_horridum_Squamata_Helodermatidae |title=(PDF) Taxonomic reassessment and conservation status of the beaded lizard, Heloderma horridum (Squamata: Helodermatidae) |doi=10.1186/1471-2148-13-93 |publisher=Researchgate.net |date= |accessdate=2021-05-11}}</ref>
